Allen was born to parents Leonard Winnfred Chesley and Bertha (Balding) Chesley on July 12, 1934 in Conway, North Dakota. Allen was baptized and confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Crookston, MN. Allen graduated High School from the supervised studies program of NDSU in Fargo, North Dakota. Allen then served honorably in the US Army at the Presidio as a weather specialist from 1955 to 1957. He then transferred to the US Army Reserve in Grand Forks North Dakota and served honorably until 1961. He left the US Army at the rank of SP4. During his time in the Army reserves, Allen attended and graduated with an accounting degree from the Aaker’s School of Business in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Allen then married Joyce Irene (Machart) Chesley on August 16, 1958 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lankin, North Dakota. Initially they lived in Minto, ND where Joyce taught 1st grade. They then moved to Crookston in 1959 and have lived here since.

Allen was employed by Knutson Company CPA for five years as an accountant. He then worked for Eickhof Construction Company for 19 years as office manager and then for the city of Crookston as City Clerk Treasurer for 17 years.

As a devoted Christian, Allen served as Trinity Lutheran Church treasurer and financial secretary for 30 years and also as an usher and greeter. Allen served the community in all aspects of his life from his normal daily work to the many civic and social organizations supporting the community where he was not afraid to take on leadership roles.

Allen joined the Crookston Lions in 1967 and was a very active member. Allen was known as one of the best recruiters for the club and was one of the cornerstone members having served as president in addition to many other positions. Allen coordinated Lions blood drives for many years and co-hosted the Legion drive with Joyce. The Lions honored him this year by naming the blood drive as the Lion’s Allen Chesley Memorial Blood Drive. He was a former President of the municipal clerks and finance association from 1985 - 1992; he was a founding member of the Polk County TRIAD, a member of the City Clerks International from 1985 -1992 and served as board president from 1989-1990 attending the National Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 2014, Allen was awarded with a Lifetime Member Award from the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce for demonstrating a lifetime of service to the Crookston Chamber and the community. For more years than we can remember, Allen led the AARP IRS Tax Volunteers supporting those in need of tax assistance. Additionally, Allen was a member of the American Legion, the Eagles and the Elks. Allen served as Ox Cart Days chairman and treasurer for several years and supported the Winter Shows, Friends of the Library, Polk County Historical Association, the Polk County Board of Ageing, the Big Brothers Association, the Crookston Jaycees and as the Golden Link president and secretary treasurer.

Allen enjoyed visiting with people at all times and being an active member of all clubs and organizations. Both he and Joyce have been recognized several times by the community for their volunteerism. Allen epitomized what is best in the human spirit. His energy, enthusiasm, good humor and good judgment serve as an inspiration to those with whom he worked and was uplifting to the hundreds of seniors that he helped over the years. In 2005, Allen was recognized as the Outstanding Male Senior Citizen of Polk County. In 2012, the Lions recognized Allen with their highest honor, as a Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services. In 2014, Allen and Joyce were selected as the Ox Cart Torchlight Parade grand marshals. Most recently, Allen was awarded the US Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for volunteerism.

Allen loved all sports, especially as an avid golfer, hunter, fisherman and passionate fan of the Twins and Vikings. He was actively involved in volleyball, racquetball and softball leagues. Allen played with the Inkster Legion baseball team, which were North Dakota State champions for two years. He played softball in Crookston and also managed and coached the Eickhof Express softball team playing along side his son Jason and his daughter Deanna who was the Bat Girl. During his high school years he enjoyed acting in the Conway community plays written and directed by Lloyd Omdahl.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Bertha Chesley and his brother Charles Chesley.

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